How to Motivate Volunteers

So you have a volunteer project in the works and a base of people to help. The next part is making those people feel good about why they are there. Whether it is a one-day event or an ongoing project you need assistance with, motivating volunteers is the most important part of any volunteer coordinator’s job. People need a reason to give up their time and energy for free, so be sure you provide as many reasons as possible. Read on to learn how to motivate volunteers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Communicate with your volunteers at the beginning. Let them know what you want them to do, how they should do it, and answer any questions they have.
2. Thank each volunteer personally. There are few things better than a hand-written thank you note or hand-shake to make a volunteer feel their work has been helpful.
3. Remind volunteers what their efforts are for. Who are they helping by giving their time? What would happen if they were not there?
4. Always keep a positive attitude and environment. No one wants to give up free time to be miserable. Keep spirits high in whatever way is appropriate.
5. Accommodate volunteer needs. Beggars can’t be choosers, as the saying goes, so always accommodate your volunteers’ schedules so that your project doesn’t become just another thing for them to do.
6. Provide food, if possible. Nothing motivates people better than food. If you are hosting a one-day event, see if a local bakery or restaurant can offer snacks and beverages for free. Many businesses give donations to community projects and non-profit organizations if asked nicely.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your volunteers individually. What are their interests? Why are they there helping out? Personal relationships increase the retention rate of volunteers.
• Many young people volunteer their time to build vocational skills. If you have young volunteers, offer to write letters of recommendation or act as a reference if they need it (and you feel comfortable doing so).
• Never treat volunteers as though they are employees. They are there of their own volition, and can easily walk out the door when they choose.